What Colors Go With Gray? 11 Color Combinations to Consider
Gray is a neutral color, making it versatile and easy to combine with a wide range of colors. Pairing gray with neutrals and pastels creates a calm and minimalist design. In contrast, gray allows vibrant reds and yellows to stand out and become more prominent in the space.
Gray works in any space, from the kitchen and living room to the bedroom. The color serves as a perfect backdrop for any interior design style.
Gray Pairings with Neutral Tones
Different proportions of white and black paints combine to make gray. Achromatic colors pair well with gray, keeping the space from feeling too monotonous. Neutral shades like brown and beige also go with gray.
1. Gray with Brown
Gray is often associated with modern, minimalist designs, while brown is common in traditional decor. Mixing the two can create a stylish blend of old and new, as seen in this living room by Larina Kase. The shades of brown create a layered effect, balancing contrast and subtlety.
2. Gray with Black
Black and gray are neutrals with different textures and patterns, adding interest to the design. Different textures keep your design from feeling flat. Adriana Logue used a gray-toned concrete floor and wall to soften the intensity of the black cabinets, providing both color and texture contrast.
While this combination is often seen in contemporary, minimalist, and industrial styles, it also suits other styles. Make sure to incorporate plenty of natural and artificial light sources so the space feels airy and bright.
3. Gray with Gray (Monochromatic)
Gray exudes elegance, sophistication, and formality. A gray color scheme is incredibly versatile as a neutral backdrop for various accent colors.
Consider using one gray shade as a base color and adding other shades through furniture, soft furnishings, and accessories.
4. Gray with White
A gray and white kitchen design is timeless and modern, and utilizes shade and light to create interest. This contemporary kitchen by Chris Cucs uses a striking gray kitchen island as a focal point, creating a dramatic impact against satin white cabinetry.
If you prefer a softer look, choose a light shade of gray. For a modern, streamlined look, go with stainless steel appliances, which will complement gray and white.
Gray Pairings with Soft and Subtle Hues
Muted colors allow gray to stand out in interior design. They highlight and accentuate gray tones rather than compete with them. Opt for muted colors complementing gray, such as soft blues, dusky pinks, or muted greens.
5. Gray with Pink
Blush pink brings warmth and a touch of femininity to a gray space. A gray sectional anchors this room, while a blush pink accent chair and throw pillows add a pop of color to the neutral space.
As evidenced in this space, adding plants enhances charcoal gray’s beauty. Greenery balances the warmth of the blush pink and the cooler gray tones, creating a more harmonious space.
6. Gray with Dark Green
This living room by Ann Lowengart is reminiscent of deep forests and invokes a feeling of calmness and tranquility. The contrast is noticeable, with white windows framing the greenery outside, almost like a living artwork.
A simple contemporary chandelier makes a fantastic addition to this space. It brings a touch of elegance and luxury, creating a focal point and scattering light throughout the room. In rooms with darker tones, lighting is essential. Ensure the chandelier is well-lit by incorporating dimmable bulbs for adjustable lighting.
7. Gray with Lavender
Gray, white, and black bring traditional themes a timeless, contemporary feel. This design from Cullman & Kravis showcases just that. While the rug pattern, sconces, and wall art are traditional elements, the colors bring a modern flair.
Dark and moody concepts often emerge as references for creating a manly vibe in a space. Metallic finishes such as stainless steel or black steel also add masculine perfection to a feminine aesthetic, merging his and hers style.
Gray Pairings with Bold and Vibrant Colors
Pairing gray with vibrant colors can create a visually striking and dynamic interior design. The key is to find a balance between the gray and bold colors. Choose colors that complement gray for a harmonious contrast. For instance, pairing gray with shades of orange, yellow, red, or royal blue creates an eye-catching combination.
8. Gray with Royal Blue
In color psychology, royal blue represents dignity, power, and authority. Combining royal blue with light gray evokes a sophisticated and serene atmosphere, as seen in this Croft living room by John Lewis.
The designers opted for a saturated shade of royal blue as the background, bringing focus to the light gray sofa and wood accents. Incorporating royal blue through throw pillows strikes a balance between the two colors and creates a cohesive, inviting living room.
9. Gray with Orange
Orange is best used as an accent color rather than a dominant color. For example, add orange throw pillows, a rug, curtains, or artwork to introduce a vibrant hue into the room. This way, the orange acts as a focal point and adds visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Barbara Feinstein brings together the cool feeling of autumn outdoors and the warm coziness of this suburban home during fall. A Sanderson patterned wallpaper incorporates both colors, adding depth and visual intrigue to the space.
10. Gray with Red
Gray wall paint envelopes this space, providing a neutral backdrop for the bold elements. The sofa’s rich and luxurious red hue adds a striking pop of color and a sense of luxury to the overall design.
Since the combination draws so much attention, integrating earthy tones grounds the design and brings a connection to the natural world. Warm brown, soft beige, and muted green accents best suit this color scheme.